At the time when the UK is looking for a growth strategy beyond the financial crisis, the IoD is issuing a new publication: “Corporate Governance Guidance and Principles for Unlisted Companies in the UK”.

Small and medium-sized unlisted firms, which account for the bulk of UK businesses and provide a large proportion of its jobs, are often neglected by existing corporate governance codes and policy debates. However, good governance is essential whatever the company’s size in order to promote economic competitiveness and sustainable growth.

The objective of the IoD’s guidance and principles – the UK edition of a pioneering initiative of directors’ associations across Europe - is to provide insight for unlisted companies in the design of an effective governance framework. The IoD advocates a voluntary stepwise approach so that unlisted companies can ensure that their response is both proportionate and tailored to the specific needs of their entrepreneurial organisations.

The publication is being launched at an event at 116 Pall Mall on 22 November (between 2 and 4.30pm). It will be hosted by Dr. Roger Barker, Head of Corporate Governance at the IoD, who will present the new guidance. An expert panel of speakers will discuss topical governance issues relating to SMEs, family companies, private equity owned companies and other forms of unlisted enterprise.

There is no charge for the event, but places are limited and will be allocated on first come, first served basis. Please reserve your place with Kathryn Allix: (policyevents@iod.com; or tel: 020 7451 3289).

The IoD is delighted to acknowledge the generous financial sponsorship of Deloitte in respect of this event.